Movie Review: Evil Dead

Flat out, it takes a lot of balls to say that you are going to do a remake of Evil Dead. Even a bigger set if you are going with a “new vision”. You better be prepared for what’s coming to you. You also better be prepared to make a great film. The original is a staple of horror fans all over and with the latest in not so great horror remakes, well the odds are just not in your favor. So how does the Fede Alvarez film hold up now that’s it’s out? Does it join the lower ranks of letdowns of past or does it set itself apart? Keep reading to find out my thoughts. The story goes back and forth with creating new plots as well as using the original ideas whereas you have a group of people visiting a cabin. In this story it is to help Mia (Jane Levy) with her drug addition. In fact it uses both of the first two films in a mesh of well-placed details that seem to flow very well. A little trip to the basement of the cabin and we are greeted by a familiar book and of course, it’s opened and the words read aloud releasing the demon. Albeit different words, it’s the same outcome.

‘Evil Dead’ is a phenomenal movie. Giving it the terminology of a new vision is exactly correct and there is zero wrong with that. As a fan of the originals, you appreciate the nods and at the same time, you enjoy the new touches. The book is explained in much more detail and shows you that it is not just some demon released based on spoken words. It gives you an idea of what others have had to go through prior. It plays a much greater part in this film and I personally enjoyed that change.

With very little wrong with the film, you get to enjoy the greatness, particularly with that of Jane Levy. Not knowing any of her work I thought she was a massive standout with her scenes and played an incredibly terrifying character. She simply gave you the creeps. She played the role of possession so well with just facial expressions alone and then completely flipped it with scenes of helplessness, fear and strength. I wasn’t overly thrilled with the rest of the cast however go back to the original and I can say the exact same thing. Doesn’t really matter though in a film like this.

While the poster tells us that this will be “the most terrifying film you will ever experience”, and that is nowhere near true, it does give us things that you haven’t seen in a while sitting in a movie theater. The gore and the blood are plentiful and so well done and the fact that little CGI is used is simply mind blowing. There is so much blood! The practical effects are so in place and together that you will definitely cringe and look away a few times but there are other films that could hold that mentioned description. But hey, what’s a little over hype.

In short, go see this movie. It’s fun, scary, gory and when you think it can’t get any better, you are wrong.